The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 22:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And Achimelech answering the king, said: And who amongst all thy servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son in law, and goeth forth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thy house?

Douay-Rheims

וַיַּ֧עַן אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ אֶת־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר וּמִ֤י בְכָל־עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙ כְּדָוִ֣ד נֶאֱמָ֔ן וַחֲתַ֥ן הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ וְסָ֥ר אֶל־מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ךָ וְנִכְבָּ֥ד בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

A commendable friendship prioritizes care for the virtuous, transcending wealth, honor, and authority. However, it does not surpass the virtuous but rather aligns itself with him. An example of this kind of friendship can be found in Ahimelech, who, adhering to the principle of hospitality, chose to sacrifice his own life rather than betray a friend.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.